G4S guards cleared of killing deportee by restraining him on a plane using a banned 'carpet karaoke' technique

Jimmy Mubenga with his wife Adrienne Makenda Credit: PA

Three G4S guards have been cleared of killing a deportee by restraining him on a plane using a banned technique known as 'carpet karaoke'.

Terrence Hughes, Colin Kaler and Stuart Tribelnig were accused of forcing Jimmy Mubenga's head down, restricting his breathing for 36 minutes as the British Airways flight prepared to take off at Heathrow.

Colin Kaler, one of the three G4S guards Credit: PA

By the time the cabin crew raised the alarm on October 12, 2010, Mr Mubenga had collapsed and gone into cardiac arrest. He died later in hospital.

Stuart Tribelnig, one of the three G4S guards Credit: PA

  • Shocked passengers said they heard Mr Mubenga cry out "I can't breathe" as he was pinned down in his seat - despite already being handcuffed from behind with his seatbelt on

  • But the guards denied restraining the 46-year-old, and insisted they never heard him shout that he was struggling to breathe

  • The jury found the three men not guilty of Mr Mubenga's manslaughter following a six-week trial at the Old Bailey

Terrence Hughes, one of the three G4S guards Credit: PA

The three guards said they were delighted to have been cleared over Mr Mubenga's death. In a statement issued on their behalf, Alex Preston of Olliers Solicitors, said: